EI Student Handbook 2022-2023

Goals and Objectives
In light of its mission statement, St. Mary’s
Ecumenical Institute recognizes certain goals and
objectives in its programs, with the conviction that
its graduates should possess certain intellectual,
ecumenical, and (depending on their program)
practical skills gained or enhanced during their
time of study.
Intellectual Skills
Intellectual skills are evidenced in class
discussion, initiative in theological conversation
and research, and carefully prepared and argued
papers. These skills include the following:
Knowledge of the Judeo-Christian theological
tradition: the acquisition of knowledge of the
Scriptures of both Testaments, the Jewish roots of
Christianity and the ongoing relationship of
Christianity to Judaism, the significant aspects of
Christian theology in historical and contemporary
perspective, aspects of historical and
contemporary practices of Christian spirituality,
and the fundamentals of Judeo-Christian
theological ethics and the variety of perspectives
that this ethical tradition offers to contemporary
issues, all informed by the best contemporary
ecumenical theological scholarship
Skill in the exegesis of texts: ability to engage in
the historical, literary, and conceptual analysis of
primary sources in the theological tradition,
including Scripture, theological documents, and
ancillary sources
Theological curiosity: the desire for the
acquisition of new knowledge and perspectives
Awareness of theological and ethical issues:
acquaintance with major contemporary theological
and ethical questions, the complexity of those
issues, and the variety of religious perspectives on
them
Theological reflection: the ability to engage in
careful, critical, and creative reflection on and
about theological sources, traditions, and issues
Intellectual integration: understanding of the
interconnections among various theological
disciplines and of the relationship between
theological reflection and praxis.
Ecumenical Skills
Ecumenical skills are evidenced in class
discussions and written papers that exhibit
knowledge, fairness, accuracy, and respect in the
consideration of other people and religious
traditions. These skills include the following:
Ecumenical and interfaith understanding:
knowledge of key historical developments in intra-
Christian and interreligious relations;
understanding of similarities and differences
among various religions and traditions within
religions (especially Christianity in its American
context); and familiarity with key areas of
disagreement, dialogue, and cooperation
Ecumenical and interfaith respect: appropriate
regard for the traditions of others and for the
people who are part of those traditions
Ecumenical and interfaith dialogue: the ability
to engage in fair and respectful dialogue with
people from other religious traditions in a spirit
that reflects both commitment to one’s own
tradition and willingness to learn from others and
their traditions
Practical Skills
Practical skills are evidenced in the clear, coherent
analysis and articulation of ideas, and (when
appropriate) in the integration of theory with
practice in the exercise of particular forms of
ministry. These skills include the following:
Critical thinking: the ability to analyze,
synthesize, and evaluate theological texts and
arguments
Excellence in communication: the ability to
articulate one’s perspectives, insights, and
convictions in excellent English, both orally and in
writing
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